Reserve Lodging

A Water Wonderland

For those looking for the area's other catches, dozens of lakes are stocked with the catch-of-the-day. Otsego Lake offers a variety of species of freshwater fish and a variety of seasons in which to pursue them. The water is alive with walleye, perch, small-and large-mouth bass, pike sturgeon and crappie, among other sport fish. And ice fishermen find Otsego Lake a great place to shanty up when the ice grows thick in the heart of Michigan's winter.

Beyond Otsego Lake, the county boasts more than 90 inland lakes. Big Bear Lake and Big Lake are two favorites for fun. Big Bear Lake has a maximum depth of 36 feet and occupies 350 square acres. Big Lake has a mazimum depth of 81 feet and is about a third of the size of Big Bear Lake.

Sure, Gaylord's got loads of fantastic fishing lakes-they're those big blue blurbs all over the map-but did you know the area is stocked with a heap of streams chock full of the North's famous trout?

Otsego County is the headwaters to five favorite rivers: Black River, Pigeon River, AuSable River, Manistee River & Sturgeon.

Need a guide while in the Gaylord area? Click here for local hunting and fishing guide information.

Michigan Trout Trails

Check out Michigan's Trout Trails which are biologist-verified great trout waters that are often lesser known. The DNR created the Trout Trails website to includes detailed descriptions and photos for each site, as well as information for area lodging, restaurants and guide services to assist with your trip planning needs. In addition, site-specific information such as the trout species available, regulations, stocked or natural reproduction and other noteworthy tidbits are all at your fingertips!